Helen Glover has been crowned West Yorkshire cross-country champion.

Helen, 15, a pupil at Oakbank Grammar School took on the county's finest young long distance runners in a series of four races and claimed the under-fifteen crown at South Leeds stadium on Saturday afternoon.

After clinching the title she said: "There are quite a few good runners in the championships and there's quite a bit of rivalry. But I really enjoyed the competition and winning gives you a great feeling."

She follows a training programme which involves hill running, stretching exercises and weight training. The daily routine is usually followed by a race on Saturdays - and then a day's break.

"Sometimes I'm exhausted when it comes to Sunday,"she said.

Fitness co-ordinator Will Smith, said: "Helen trains really hard and deserves full credit for her dedication to athletics.

"She is currently ranked sixth in the country and I'm sure that during the coming year the England team selectors will be looking very closely at her."

As well as being captain of the school's running club, she has also been a member of Bingley Harriers for a year.

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